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2.
Heliyon ; 9(4): e15047, 2023 Apr.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37151702

RESUMO

Non-traumatic acute bilateral compartment syndrome is a rare condition that may lead to limb ischemia. We describe a case of this syndrome occurring after a five-kilometer walk in a young woman receiving chronic treatment with lurasidone, leading to a bilateral foot-drop and rhabdomyolysis of the anterolateral compartment of both legs. Due to her late presentation in the emergency department, we opted for a conservative approach, closely monitoring her renal function. We noticed a subsequent clinical and biochemical improvement over the following days, with the patient returning to her daily routine in a matter of weeks, despite a persisting bilateral foot drop. Since atypical antipsychotics are known to be associated with rhabdomyolysis, while possibly exerting a toxic effect on mitochondria, we hypothesize that a mild aerobic physical exertion might have triggered the event, in the context of an iatrogenic muscle susceptibility to oxidative distress.

3.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 23(2 Suppl): 101-116, 2019 Apr.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30977877

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Identification of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)-related pathogens is crucial to decide what is the correct surgical strategies and the most secure timing to re-implant in case of two-stage revision. The purpose of the present study is to review the literature to identify the features of each exams which are used to identify the pathogens associated with PJI, to evaluate which are the most sensitive and specific and to set up an algorithm to decide when, in the field of two-stage revision, it's the ideal timing to re-implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We did a systematic review of the literature to look for peer-reviewed papers of any evidence level focusing on: (1) Microbiological and molecular exams for identification of PJI-related pathogens. (2) Nuclear imaging methods, which can help in the identification of a PJI. Special attention was focused to analyse which is the sensitivity and specificity of these exams. RESULTS: Overall, 64 manuscripts met the criteria of the systematic search at point 1 and 7 manuscripts at point 2. Among microbiological and molecular exams, the average of sensitivity and specificity were respectively 65.6% and 94.4% for cultural exams, 74.1% and 95.2% for molecular diagnosis and 86.9% and 96% for MicroDTTect. Among nuclear imaging methods, the average of sensitivity and specificity were respectively 94% and 69 % for three-phase bone scintigraphy and 100% and 62.5% for [18F] Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography. CONCLUSIONS: In two-stage revision after PJI, taking into account the sensitivity and specificity values, just a few microbiological and molecular exams and nuclear imaging methods should be considered in the decision process to re-implant the components.


Assuntos
Infecções Relacionadas à Prótese/microbiologia , Artroplastia de Quadril , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Infecções Relacionadas à Prótese/diagnóstico , Infecções Relacionadas à Prótese/cirurgia , Sensibilidade e Especificidade
4.
J Diabetes Metab Disord ; 17(2): 393-399, 2018 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30918874

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the basal/total ratio of daily insulin dose (b/T) in outpatients with diabetes type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) on basal-bolus regimen, by investigating whether there is a relationship with HbA1c and episodes of hypoglycemia. METHODS: Multicentric, observational, cross-sectional study in Italy. Adult DM1 (n = 476) and DM2 (n = 541) outpatients, with eGFR >30 mL/min/1.73 m2, on a basal-bolus regimen for at least six months, were recruited from 31 Italian Diabetes services between March and September 2016. Clinicaltrials.govID: NCT03489031. RESULTS: Total daily insulin dose was significantly higher in DM2 patients (52.3 ± 22.5 vs. 46 ± 20.9 U/day), but this difference disappeared when insulin doses were normalized for body weight. The b/T ratio was lower than 0.50 in both groups: 0.46 ± 0.14 in DM1 and 0.43 ± 0.15 in DM2 patients (p = 0.0011). The b/T was significantly higher in the patients taking metformin in both groups, and significantly different according to the type of basal insulin (Degludec, 0.48 in DM1 and 0.44 in DM2; Glargine, 0.44 in DM1 and 0.43 in DM2; Detemir, 0.45 in DM1 and 0.39 in DM2). The b/T ratio was not correlated in either group to HbA1c or incidence of hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL, or requiring caregiver intervention, in the last three months). In the multivariate analysis, metformin use and age were independent predictors of the b/T ratio in both DM1 and DM2 patients, while the type of basal insulin was an independent predictor only in DM1. CONCLUSION: The b/T ratio was independent of glycemic control and incidence of hypoglycemia.

6.
Acta Gastroenterol Belg ; 80(2): 313-315, 2017.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29560699

RESUMO

Long-life immunosuppressive therapy increases the risk of de novo tumors in liver transplant recipients by decreasing the immune surveillance against malignant cells and oncogenic viruses. However, no cases of colon precancerous lesions have been reported in these subjects. Patient n. 1, a 73 yrs old male treated with calcineurin and purine synthesis inhibitors, showed at a per-protocol colono-scopy a 3 cm laterally spreading tumor (LST). Patient n. 2, a 73 yrs old male treated with calcineurin inhibitors, showed at a screening colonoscopy an LST occupying one third of the lumen circumference. Both subjects were asymptomatic, had been transplanted 14 years before, and in both cases, lesions showed severe dysplasia. LSTs represent 17.2% of advanced colorectal neoplasia (CRC) and risk factors are multifactorial. Immunosuppression may play a role which is however not completely understood. Based on this report, surveillance colonoscopy in liver transplanted patients should be considered.


Assuntos
Colonoscopia/métodos , Ciclosporina , Ressecção Endoscópica de Mucosa/métodos , Transplante de Fígado/métodos , Ácido Micofenólico , Lesões Pré-Cancerosas , Tacrolimo , Idoso , Ciclosporina/administração & dosagem , Ciclosporina/efeitos adversos , Ciclosporina/imunologia , Humanos , Sistema Imunitário/efeitos dos fármacos , Imunossupressores/administração & dosagem , Imunossupressores/efeitos adversos , Imunossupressores/imunologia , Mucosa Intestinal/patologia , Mucosa Intestinal/cirurgia , Masculino , Ácido Micofenólico/administração & dosagem , Ácido Micofenólico/efeitos adversos , Ácido Micofenólico/imunologia , Lesões Pré-Cancerosas/diagnóstico , Lesões Pré-Cancerosas/etiologia , Lesões Pré-Cancerosas/cirurgia , Tacrolimo/administração & dosagem , Tacrolimo/efeitos adversos , Tacrolimo/imunologia , Resultado do Tratamento
7.
Brain Imaging Behav ; 11(4): 1117-1128, 2017 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27704405

RESUMO

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by visceral hypersensitivity likely related to altered processing of sensory stimuli along the brain-gut axis. Previous neuroimaging studies demonstrated structural and functional alteration of several brain areas involved in bodily representation, e.g. the insula, in patients with IBS. By means of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) we searched for alteration of functional connectivity within the network involved in self-bodily consciousness. We found significant inverse correlation between hypochondriasis assessed through a clinical questionnaire and connectivity between posterior cingulate cortex and left supramarginal gyrus, extending into the adjacent superior temporal gyrus. Moreover, we observed a significant and positive correlation between a clinical questionnaire assessing interoception and connectivity between left anterior ventral insula and two clusters located in supramarginal gyrus bilaterally.Our findings highlight an "abnormal network synchrony" reflecting functional alteration, in the absence of structural and micro-structural changes, which might represent a possible therapeutic target for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.


Assuntos
Encéfalo/fisiopatologia , Interocepção , Síndrome do Intestino Irritável/fisiopatologia , Síndrome do Intestino Irritável/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Conscientização , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Mapeamento Encefálico , Feminino , Humanos , Síndrome do Intestino Irritável/diagnóstico por imagem , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Vias Neurais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vias Neurais/fisiopatologia , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem
8.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 20(11): 2413-7, 2016 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27338069

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Levodopa is the gold standard in the pharmacological treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and its oral administration is associated with the development of disabling motor and non-motor complications in advanced disease. Levodopa is rapidly metabolized and has a short plasma half-life thus requiring frequent, repeated dosing. Impaired gastric emptying is common in PD, and likely contributes to the unpredictable motor responses observed with orally-dosed levodopa. A new therapeutic protocol for patients with advanced PD include a carbidopa/levodopa combination using continuous, modulated enteral administration achieved inserting a Jejunal Extension Tube Placement through Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG-J). The aim of this work is to assess efficacy and safety of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) delivered continuously through an intrajejunal percutaneous tube (PEG-J). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 11 adults with advanced PD and preserved sensitivity to L-dopa. For pre-procedural endoscopic evaluation each patient underwent a diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) 7 days before PEG-J placement to evaluate the presence of gastric anatomical or wall anomalies and the presence of oesophageal or gastric varices. Treatment with LCIG, consisting of a water-based suspension containing micronized levodopa (20 mg/mL) and carbidopa (5 mg/mL) in methylcellulose (Duodopa®), was administered by continuous jejunal infusion for 12h/day using a portable pump (CADD-Legacy) by PEG-J. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline (T0) before LCIG initiation, and after 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months of therapy. The efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed by using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) parts II, III and IV. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 71.18 ± 5.4 SD at LCIG initiation. Out of the 11 patients, 2 (18%) dropped-out LCIG at T3. Patients showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) higher performances in activities of daily living and a statistically significant (p < 0.001) lower incidence and severity of motor fluctuations, as rating by UPDRS part IV, compared to their best oral therapy. During observational period, 5 patients experienced adverse events. Success rate for PEG-J placement was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our work shows that continuous intrajejunal infusion of LCIG ensures a reduction in motor Fluctuations compared to oral administration of levodopa-carbidopa in advanced PD. Based on our results and on the evidence emerging in the literature, this therapeutic approach should be the gold standard for therapy in these patients.


Assuntos
Antiparkinsonianos/administração & dosagem , Carbidopa/administração & dosagem , Endoscopia Gastrointestinal/métodos , Levodopa/administração & dosagem , Doença de Parkinson/tratamento farmacológico , Atividades Cotidianas , Combinação de Medicamentos , Gastrostomia , Humanos
9.
J Perinatol ; 36(9): 768-74, 2016 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27101389

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the quality levels of NICU developmental care (DC) and language skills at 36 months in very preterm (VPT) children. STUDY DESIGN: Language skills of 78 VPT children from 19 NICUs and 90 full-term controls was assessed using a standardized language test. We compared children' language task performance by splitting NICUs into units with high- and low-quality of DC according to two main factors: (1) infant centered care (ICC), and (2) infant pain management (IPM). RESULTS: VPT children from low-care units with respect to ICC obtained lower scores in sentence comprehension, compared to children from high-care units. No differences were found between preterm children from high-quality ICC NICUs and full-term children. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that higher quality of DC related to infant centered care can mitigate delays in language skills at 36 months in children born VPT.


Assuntos
Linguagem Infantil , Cuidado do Lactente/normas , Recém-Nascido Prematuro , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Itália , Testes de Linguagem , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Análise Multivariada , Manejo da Dor , Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde/organização & administração , Qualidade de Vida
10.
Eur J Pain ; 20(6): 1010-21, 2016 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26849293

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Very preterm infants are exposed to adverse stressful experiences, which may result in long-term behavioural outcomes. The developmental care practices, including pain management and environmental support, can minimize the effects of stress exposure. However, developmental care quality levels may vary among Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and little is known about how differences in developmental care quality affect long-term behavioural outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between quality levels NICUs developmental care and behaviour problems at 18 months corrected age in preterm children. METHODS: The behaviour of 134 preterm children from 22 NICUs and 123 full-term controls was examined using the questionnaire Child Behaviour Checklist 1½-5. We compared the behavioural profile of children by splitting NICUs into units with high- and low quality of developmental care according to two main care factors: (1) infant centered care (ICC) index, and (2) infant pain management (IPM) index. RESULTS: Preterm children from low-care units in IPM group reported higher scores in Internalizing Problems, compared to children from high-care units. No differences were found between preterm children from high-care in IPM and full-term children. No significant IPM effect was found for externalizing problems. No significant ICC effect emerged both for internalizing and externalizing problems. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that higher quality of developmental care related to infant pain management can mitigate behavioural problems at 18 months in children born preterm, to such an extent that preterm children exhibit a behavioural profile similar to that displayed by full-term children.


Assuntos
Desenvolvimento Infantil , Comportamento do Lactente , Cuidado do Lactente , Doenças do Prematuro/psicologia , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal , Manejo da Dor , Fatores Etários , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Recém-Nascido Prematuro , Doenças do Prematuro/terapia , Masculino , Inquéritos e Questionários
11.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 19(21): 4119-22, 2015 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26592837

RESUMO

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an uncommon disorder observed in patients with liver cirrhosis, causing upper gastro-intestinal haemorrhage. GAVE is diagnosed through esophagogastroduodenoscopy and is characterized by the presence of visible columns of red tortuous enlarged vessels along the longitudinal folds of the antrum (i.e., so-called watermelon stomach). Pharmacological, endoscopic and surgical approaches have been proposed for the treatment of GAVE. Endoscopy represents the gold standard for GAVE treatment. The most widely used endoscopic approach is represented by Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been proven to be more efficient in terms of costs and complication rates than and equally effective as Nd:YAG. Other endoscopic procedures proposed for this treatment are banding ligature (EBL) and sclerotherapy with Polidocanol. Refractory GAVE represents a therapeutic challenge because it may cause persistent anemia, often leading to repeated blood transfusions due to the inefficacy of pharmacological and endoscopic therapeutic approaches. Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has been shown to be superior to APC in the treatment of refractory GAVE. Surgical antrectomy by Billroth I anastomosis can be considered in selected cases. In this study, we report a successful endoscopic treatment of refractory GAVE by using a combination of submucosal injection of 1% Polidocanol at the four antral quadrants and subsequent application of APC on the visible antral lesions in two patients.


Assuntos
Coagulação com Plasma de Argônio/métodos , Endoscopia Gastrointestinal/métodos , Ectasia Vascular Gástrica Antral/diagnóstico , Ectasia Vascular Gástrica Antral/terapia , Polietilenoglicóis/administração & dosagem , Escleroterapia/métodos , Idoso , Feminino , Ectasia Vascular Gástrica Antral/complicações , Hemorragia Gastrointestinal/diagnóstico , Hemorragia Gastrointestinal/etiologia , Hemorragia Gastrointestinal/terapia , Humanos , Cirrose Hepática/complicações , Cirrose Hepática/diagnóstico , Cirrose Hepática/terapia , Masculino , Polidocanol , Resultado do Tratamento
12.
Acta Gastroenterol Belg ; 77(1): 18-24, 2014 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24761687

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption by adolescents and young adults is an issue of significant public concern. Internet-based Social Networking sites, such as Facebook, are potential avenues to reach young people easily. OBJECTIVE: to underline the innovation in proposing surveys to collect health-related information regarding young people alcohol consumption and other substances abuse by using Social Networking Websites, particularly Facebook. METHODS: A questionnaire investigating modalities of alcohol consumption, drinking patterns' risk behaviors and other substances abuse was proposed through a "Facebook event" to young Italian Facebook users aged between 16 and 32. Each Facebook user invited to the event was free to participate, to answer to the questionnaire and to invite his "Facebook friends". RESULTS: During the 89 days of permanence on the Social Network, 1846 Facebook users participated the event and 732 of them decided spontaneously to answer the questionnaire. The frequency of answering was 8.2 people per day. About 200 users wrote a positive comment to the initiative on the wall of the event. Sixty% of subjects participating the survey were females. Ninety-one% of people answering the questionnaire were alcohol consumers. More than 50% of alcohol consumers were also smokers. Approximately 50% of subjects were binge drinkers. Illegal drugs were used by the 22.2% of the interviewed people. CONCLUSIONS: Facebook resulted an efficient and rapid tool to reach young people from all over Italy and to propose surveys in order to investigate alcohol consumption and alcohol-related health problems in the youth.


Assuntos
Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool/epidemiologia , Mídias Sociais , Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Itália , Masculino , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem
13.
Eye (Lond) ; 22(1): 138-43, 2008 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17603470

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Recent studies used impression cytology with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the conjunctival surface of bovine eyes and normal human eyes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use impression cytology and SEM (ICSEM) in patients affected by tear film abnormalities. METHODS: Forty-five patients were divided into three groups according to mild, moderate or severe subjective sensation of dry eye. Fifteen asymptomatic subjects served as control group. In all patients the tear film was evaluated with break-up time (BUT), Schirmer's, and Ferning test, whereas conjunctival epithelium was evaluated with impression cytology and optic microscopy (ICOM), and ICSEM. The Spearman rank correlation test was used to compare the outcome of these examinations with the subjective sensation of dry eye in each group, and to identify correlations among the five tests. RESULTS: ICSEM findings highly correlated with subjective dry eye sensation (Spearman correlation coefficient, 796; P<0.01). ICSEM revealed incipient epithelial damage (reduction or absence of microvilli) before the appearance of alterations of nucleus and cytoplasm of epithelial cells revealed by optic microscopy. The number of microvilli was correlated with the degree of tear film abnormalities and subjective sensation of dry eye (Spearman correlation coefficient, 796; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: ICSEM was very effective in detecting the reduction in the number of microvilli. Therefore, it could represent an effective method to detect alterations in the conjunctival epithelium resulting from tear film damage even before the epithelial damage occurs and is detected by optic microscopy.


Assuntos
Túnica Conjuntiva/ultraestrutura , Doenças da Túnica Conjuntiva/patologia , Síndromes do Olho Seco/patologia , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Lágrimas/metabolismo , Adulto , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Técnicas Citológicas , Epitélio/ultraestrutura , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Estatística como Assunto
15.
AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses ; 17(7): 603-14, 2001 May 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11375056

RESUMO

Deregulation of the Fas/FasL pathway in activated T cells is suspected to contribute to the abnormal apoptosis that drives their progressive depletion during HIV-1 infection. However, the role of serum soluble Fas (sFas) is unclear. Here we investigated both sFas and anti-Fas IgG levels in a cohort of 227 HIV-1-infected patients with respect to their T cell apoptosis. By using optimized ELISAs, we found that serum titers of sFas and anti-Fas were linearly correlated in 17 severely lymphopenic subjects as compared with other patients grouped in relation to their single expression of anti-Fas and sFas, or with double-negative control patients. Cytofluorimetric measurement of the subdiploid DNA-containing cell population by both PI and TUNEL revealed an increased occurrence of cell death in vitro, in particular in patients with elevations of sFas. We also found that fresh CD4(+) cells from these patients showed high levels of both caspase 3 (CPP32) and its molecular targets, namely PARP and CK18. In addition, their in vitro proliferative rate was inhibited by sFas, in particular in patients with undetectable levels of the soluble receptor in vivo as well as in normal donors. In these subjects the Fas-related caspase 8 (FLICE) was significantly increased in cells treated with the recombinant Fas. These results support the contention that functionally exhausted T cells may undergo apoptosis in response to the persistent in vivo stimulation by sFas. This may elucidate the described occurrence of enhanced cell death in advanced HIV-1 infection in association with serum elevations of the soluble receptor.


Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais/imunologia , Autoanticorpos/sangue , Infecções por HIV/imunologia , HIV-1 , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Anticorpos Monoclonais/fisiologia , Anticorpos Monoclonais Murinos , Apoptose , Caspases/metabolismo , Estudos de Coortes , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Infecções por HIV/metabolismo , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Linfócitos T/patologia , Receptor fas/química , Receptor fas/imunologia
16.
Eur J Immunol ; 31(3): 812-22, 2001 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11241286

RESUMO

Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC)/CCL22 is a CC chemokine active on dendritic cells (DC), NK cells and Th2 lymphocytes. The present study was aimed at comprehensively investigating MDC production in vitro and in vivo. DC were the most potent producers of MDC among leukocytes tested. Endothelial cells did not produce MDC under a variety of conditions. Signals that induce maturation (lipopolysaccharide, IL-1, TNF, CD40 ligand, recognition of bacteria and yeast) dramatically augmented MDC production, and dexamethasone and vitamin D3 blocked it. Prostaglandin E(2), which blocked the acquisition of IL-12 production and the capacity to promote Th1 generation, did not affect MDC production. Using mass spectrometry-based techniques, DC supernatants were found to contain N-terminally truncated forms of MDC [MDC(3-69), MDC(5-69) and MD(C7-69)] as well as the full-length molecule. In vivo, CD1a(+), CD83(+), MDC(+) DC were found in reactive lymph nodes, and in Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Skin lesions of atopic dermatitis patients showed that CD1a(+) or CD1b(+) DC, and DC with a CD83(+) phenotype were responsible for MDC production in this Th2-oriented disorder. Thus, DC are the predominant source of MDC in vitro and in vivo under a variety of experimental and clinical conditions. Processing of MDC to MDC(3-69) and shorter forms which do not recognize CCR4 is likely to represent a feedback mechanism of negative regulation.


Assuntos
Quimiocinas CC/genética , Células Dendríticas/imunologia , Células Cultivadas , Quimiocina CCL22 , Quimiocinas CC/biossíntese , Colecalciferol/farmacologia , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Células Dendríticas/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Dendríticas/metabolismo , Dermatite/imunologia , Dermatite/metabolismo , Dexametasona/farmacologia , Dinoprostona/farmacologia , Endocitose , Histiocitose de Células de Langerhans/imunologia , Histiocitose de Células de Langerhans/metabolismo , Humanos , Leucócitos/imunologia , Leucócitos/metabolismo , Lipopolissacarídeos/farmacologia , Doenças Linfáticas/imunologia , Doenças Linfáticas/metabolismo , Espectrometria de Massas , Monócitos/imunologia , Isoformas de Proteínas/biossíntese , RNA Mensageiro/biossíntese , Ativação Transcricional/efeitos dos fármacos
17.
Mol Med ; 6(6): 509-26, 2000 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10972087

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that soluble Fas (sFas) may modulate T-cell apoptosis, since it inhibits Fas-ligand (Fas-L)-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. Here, we explored whether the soluble receptor and its major immunogenic domain, namely VEINCTR-N, interfered with apoptosis of T cells from human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1)+ subjects showing serum elevations of both the soluble receptor and anti-Fas antibodies, and with that of several T-cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both proliferation and apoptosis extent of T cells from 16 HIV-1+ patients showing serum anti-VEINCTR-N immunoglobulin G (IgG) and 15 controls were tested after incubation with sFas and three 8-mer peptides of its first consensus sequence that included VEINCTR-N. Several cell lines were also investigated by flow cytometry for their expression of Ki-67, the APO2.7-related mitochondrial protein, and the annexin-V. In addition, we evaluated the expression of Fas-L and caspases FLICE, CPP32 and ICE either by flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and/or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Cell proliferation in cultures from both patients and controls was affected significantly by sFas and VEINCTR-N. However, a prevalent increase of the subdiploid DNA-containing cell population occurred within these cultures. Similarly, Jurkat, CEM cells, and a mouse WR19L transformant overexpressing native human Fas underwent prompt apoptosis, which was detected as enlargement of APO2.7-reactive and annexin-V-positive populations. By exploring the Fas pathway in Jurkat cells, we found that both apoptosis inducers acted through Fas, since Fas-L, as well as CPP32 and FLICE were activated. By contrast, ICE was up-regulated only in control cells treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the soluble molecular forms of Fas prime cell death in Fas-positive cells. Therefore, the shedding of high amounts of sFas in HIV- 1 disease is possibly entrusted with amplification of the death execution program by cells functionally exhausted and committed to die. It is conceivable that the appearance of anti-Fas antibodies reflects an attempt by the immune system to neutralize these effective forms of the receptor and its structurally degraded domains, such as VEINCTR-N.


Assuntos
Apoptose/imunologia , Infecções por HIV/imunologia , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Linfócitos T/patologia , Receptor fas/imunologia , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Cálcio/metabolismo , Caspases/genética , Caspases/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular , Primers do DNA/genética , Ativação Enzimática , Proteína Ligante Fas , Infecções por HIV/metabolismo , Infecções por HIV/patologia , HIV-1 , Humanos , Epitopos Imunodominantes/química , Epitopos Imunodominantes/genética , Técnicas In Vitro , Ativação Linfocitária , Glicoproteínas de Membrana/metabolismo , Camundongos , Solubilidade , Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Receptor fas/química , Receptor fas/genética
18.
Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol ; 46(2): 105-12, 2000 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16498356

RESUMO

A case of Whipple's disease (WD) personally observed is described. A 28-year-old male was admitted to hospital for evaluation of weakness, intermittent fever and weight loss arisen since a month. On clinical investigation, he complained of vomit and diarrhea since three months. He had neither familial and personal past history of gastrointestinal diseases, nor any other important diseases. He denied use of drugs. Physical examination was negative. Laboratory findings showed anemia, low blood lymphocytes, low serum iron and total iron binding capacity, low total serum protein and low serum albumin and high level of ESR. Stool were negative for parasites and occult blood. Cultures of blood and urine were negative. Stool fat assay was > 7 g/24 h and D-xylose test showed a two-hour serum concentration < 25 mg/dl. Abdominal TC showed lumbo-aortic and mesenteric enlarged lymph nodes. An upper video endoscopy showed a duodenal lymphangectasia. Histological examination showed villar atrophy with massive infiltration of large PAS-positive diastase-resistant foamy cells. Ziehl-Nielsen staining was negative. WD was diagnosed and patient underwent therapy based on cotrimoxazole. This report emphasizes the difficulty to diagnose WD correctly, because of its rareness and clinical polymorphism. Recently, studies have identified a bacillus, Tropheryma whippelii, associated with WD, so that, in the next future, the diagnosis of WD will be faster and more accurate. Finally, it is important to administer antibiotics which can cross the blood brain barrier for at least one year, in order to prevent neurological relapse, often lethal.

19.
Eur J Clin Invest ; 29(11): 980-91, 1999 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10583444

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The Nef protein of HIV-1 is suspected to play a role in the depletion of uninfected CD4+ lymphocytes that leads to AIDS. By contrast its effect on CD8+ cells, whose functions are also deregulated during HIV-1 infection, is presently unclear. Here we describe a number of derangements induced in vitro by Nef in CD8+ cells from HIV-1-infected patients. DESIGN: Peripheral lymphocytes from 16 HIV-1+ subjects and 9 uninfected individuals were cultivated on a Nef-transfected mouse fibroblast layer exposing the carboxyl-terminal region of the viral protein on cell membrane. The cultures were then measured for both apoptosis and proliferation by subdiploid DNA content and Ki67 expression, respectively, whereas the molecular analysis of purified CD8+ cells investigated the Fas-L mRNA levels in Nef-treated CTLs. In addition, we evaluated the Nef-induced variation in the extent of CD8+/HLA-DR+ subset, which includes non cytotoxic cells secreting T-cell antiviral factor (CAF) and a soluble factor inhibiting the HIV-1 replication. RESULTS: The viral protein induced in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) a moderate tendency to proliferate, as measured by the increment of Ki67 antigen, particularly on the CD8+ subset of HIV-1 infected individuals (P < 0.05). This profile was particularly evident in cultures from patients with severe CD4+ lymphopenia and paralleled an apparent expansion of the CD8+/CD57+ suppressor cell subset. Molecular analysis of purified CD8+ cells revealed a defective expression of Fas-L mRNA in Nef-cultured CTLs, whereas the viral protein exerted a down modulatory effect on the CD8+/HLA-DR+ subset (P < 0.05), thus suggesting a potential inhibition of CAF. CONCLUSIONS: These results support a potential role of Nef in the progression of HIV-1 infection as a number of cellular functions are affected in the CD8+ subset. In particular, the defective functions of CD8+ cells induced by the viral protein could contribute, at least partly, to the escape of HIV-1 from the immune control of these cells.


Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/imunologia , Produtos do Gene nef/imunologia , Infecções por HIV/imunologia , HIV-1 , Células 3T3 , Animais , Apoptose , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/virologia , Células Cultivadas , Técnicas de Cocultura , Produtos do Gene nef/genética , Humanos , Imunofenotipagem , Ativação Linfocitária , Depleção Linfocítica , Camundongos , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Valores de Referência , Transfecção , Produtos do Gene nef do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana
20.
Scand Audiol ; 27(4): 213-7, 1998.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9832403

RESUMO

Thirty-four 'normal' preterm newborns were tested at 40 weeks postconceptional age. To separate electromagnetic artifacts from cochlear potentials and subsequent auditory brainstem responses, a test was given using an insert earphone at 90, 70, 50, 30 dB nHL. The detectability of receptor potentials, waves I, III, V, as a function of stimulus intensity is described: at 90 dB nHL exclusively, we could always identify these peaks because of the better morphological distinctiveness of each potential. When trying to evaluate the acoustic pathway in premature newborns, we suggest that brainstem response audiometry should be performed at 90 dB nHL with an insert earphone.


Assuntos
Cóclea/inervação , Potenciais Evocados Auditivos do Tronco Encefálico , Auxiliares de Audição , Nervo Vestibulococlear/fisiologia , Estimulação Acústica/métodos , Eletroencefalografia , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Recém-Nascido Prematuro
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